Teaching Tech

Teaching Tech

Asli Arpak

Learning is the process of acquiring and modifying skills, knowledge, behavior, values, and preferences. As Howard Gardner of Harvard University put it in his multiple intelligences theory (1991), we are able to learn in various unique ways: "we are all able to know the world through language, logical-mathematical analysis, spatial representation, musical thinking, the use of the body to solve problems or to make things, an understanding of other individuals, and an understanding of ourselves. Where individuals differ is in the strength of these intelligences - the so-called profile of intelligences -and in the ways in which such intelligences are invoked and combined to carry out different tasks, solve diverse problems, and progress in various domains."

In this studio, we will be designing analog and digital materials for learning fundamental concepts in technology, computing, art and science. Each team will identify a concept/notion/principle/behavior/technique/how-to, about which they have always wanted to learn more. They will design analog or digital systems that represent or embody this concept. They will explore how different intelligences can be utilized, how users will interact with the system and how variations on the concept can be expressed.